Delta 3D printers are a distinct type of additive manufacturing machine known for their speed and unique kinematic system, featuring a circular print bed and an extruder controlled by a triangular arrangement of arms.
Understanding Delta 3D Printers
Developed with the specific aim of increasing printing speed, often reaching 500-600mm/s, Delta printers utilize a different mechanical design compared to more common Cartesian or CoreXY systems. Instead of the print bed or gantry moving along fixed axes, the print head (or extruder) is suspended above a stationary, circular print bed.
Key Characteristics
Delta printers are easily identifiable by their defining features:
- Circular Print Bed: Unlike the rectangular beds found on many other printer types, Delta printers use a circular build surface.
- Top-Mounted Extruder: The extruder assembly is typically located at the top of the printer's frame.
- Triangular Configuration: The extruder is attached to a system involving three vertical towers. Diagonal rods connect the extruder carriage to sliders that move up and down these towers, forming a dynamic triangular structure. This triangular configuration is capable of moving up and down via these rods and sliders, controlling the extruder's position in 3D space.
How They Achieve Speed
The speed advantage of Delta printers stems from the lightweight moving print head assembly. Since the heaviest part (the build plate) is stationary, and the print head assembly is typically lighter than a full gantry system, it can accelerate and change direction more rapidly. The complex calculations required to translate desired X, Y, and Z coordinates into movements of the three vertical sliders are handled by the printer's firmware.
Practical Insights
- Build Volume: While the bed is circular, the practical print volume is often a cylinder or slightly tapered cone above the bed.
- Calibration: Delta printers can be more complex to calibrate than Cartesian printers due to the interdependency of the three axes, often requiring auto-calibration routines.
- Footprint: They tend to be taller and narrower than equivalent Cartesian printers, which can be a consideration for workspace.
In essence, Delta 3D printers offer a high-speed alternative for users seeking faster print times on objects that fit within their cylindrical build volume, characterized by their signature circular bed and dynamic three-arm system.
